After nearly three years, Neil Wickers has stepped down as Chief Executive of Carluccio's to pursue other opportunities.
Wickers (pictured left) has led the company through a very challenging period for the restaurant industry, during which he has improved operational efficiency and begun to refresh the brand through the roll-out of the successful 'Carluccio’s of the Future' concept. The board would like to thank Wickers for his contribution.
Mark Jones, currently CEO of Goals Soccer Centres, will be joining Carluccio’s in due course as its new Chief Executive. Jones (pictured right) has a wealth of hospitality experience. His early career was spent with Allied Domecq and then Whitbread, where he rose to become CEO of Pizza Hut UK, delivering record sales and profit growth.
Following Whitbread, Jones became CEO of Yates Group leading a successful management buy-out and its subsequent sale, before joining Premium Bars and Restaurants as Chairman & CEO. From there, he joined Rank to run Mecca and then Grosvenor Casinos, before leaving to lead the turnaround of Goals Soccer Centres.
Carluccio’s has also announced today the arrival of Andrew Campbell on 15 January as its new Chief Financial Officer replacing interim CFO Stephen Critoph. Andrew is a qualified chartered accountant and was, until very recently, Finance Director of YO! Sushi. Prior to this, he was Finance Director of Novus Leisure.
Carl Leaver, Chairman of Carluccio’s, commented, “I am delighted that Mark and Andrew are joining Carluccio’s. They each bring valuable experience and a strong customer focus that will help to build upon Carluccio’s strong reputation for authentic Italian food. I would like to thank Neil for his contribution and wish him well in his future career.”
Mark Jones said, “I am excited to be joining Carluccio's at this important time and look forward to working with the team to continue to develop the brand, ensuring a great experience for our customers.”
Andrew Campbell added, “Carluccio’s is an iconic brand with a strong heritage. I am thrilled to be joining the team and look forward to helping to build the business.”